Arak Najm is a Lebanese arak from the Domaine Najm. First of all, this is a very exclusive arak of Lebanon. At first, this aromatic brandy convinces with its bouquet on the nose as well as with its taste on the palate. Furthermore, the typical note of licorice dominates the overall flavor. This is also very similar to the flavors of many other arak varieties. In addition, there is a hint of fresh plants and herbs. A really enticing aroma, which also quickly animates to drink. On the palate, the Arak Najm is really gentle and also very easy to drink. In this regard, the family business decided not to only use the typical Obeidi grapes. Therefore, they then also added Uni Blanc and Merwah, of course, in order to create their own signature.
Overall, this brandy therefore goes really well with spicy appetizers, strong goat cheese as well as beef tartare. It is also a great complement to dishes with garlic.
About the cultivation and grapes
Initially, the distillery Domaine Najm is still relatively unknown. However, the location of the winery and therefore vines brings many advantages. Mainly because the vines are located in Chabtine 600 meters above Batroun. Consequently, the winter covers each vine with snow for three month. As a result the grapes hardly come into contact with pests. Finally, the arak also needs such robust and acidic grapes to fill the volume. And last but not least, there is also the hot summer days, which thus give the grape the necessary flavors. Of course, these conditions also serve the production of high quality Lebanese wines! And if you have not yet tasted wines from Lebanon yet, you should do so immediately!
About the maturation of this arak
Finally, the owner applies the traditional method. Accordingly, the grape alcohol is first distilled three times. In this regard, the high-quality anise seeds are added during the second and third distillation. And after that, there is even a fourth distillation to make this arak particularly pure and gentle. Nevertheless, this is an exclusive special case and rather unusual. Moreover, the Arak Najm matures for 12 months in clay jugs as well. Of course, mainly to remove the ethanol. Yet, the drink then also gets its freshness right away